Our Wreath-Making Evening was more than a festive get-together—it proved that when external organisations and volunteers step up, meaningful events can happen without placing pressure on core PTA volunteers. The event sold out, was professionally delivered, and provided a model we want to build on, as long as collaboration brings a clear benefit to the school and PTA.
Why the Event Was Successful
🌿 Professional Delivery Without Additional Burden
By working with a specialist facilitator, families experienced:
- Quality materials
- Instructional support
- A polished end result
The organiser handled the specialist elements, and the PTA focused on hospitality and engagement.
🌟 A Positive Adult-Focused Experience
Parents don’t often get an event designed purely for them.
This created:
- Social connection
- A chance to relax
- A meaningful experience to take home
And it widened participation beyond the usual parent groups.
A Collaboration That Benefited the PTA Directly
It was important that the event:
✔ Raised funds
✔ Strengthened involvement
✔ Created positive sentiment toward the PTA
And it did.
The organiser delivered the workshop; the PTA raised money from the event.
Crucially, the event worked because the benefits clearly returned to the school community—not only to participants or the provider.
Collaborations moving forward will follow the same principle:
If the PTA supports or promotes an event, it must deliver measurable benefit back into the school.
This is a non-negotiable foundation for partnerships.
How It Inspired People to Get Involved
The event helped shift perceptions away from:
➡ “The PTA does everything”
to
➡ “I could help run something like this”
People asked:
- “Could I offer an activity?”
- “Could I host something similar?”
- “Could I help next time?”
And they discovered that not every event requires:
❌ months of planning
❌ large committees
❌ heavy workload
Sometimes it’s simply:
✔ one person coordinating
✔ a specialist delivering
✔ the PTA supporting and hosting
That is sustainable.
Why This Matters Going Forward
We want to repeat these types of events, and expand into others.
To do that, we’re inviting:
⭐ Parents with skills or hobbies
Who want to:
- Run a workshop
- Offer expertise
- Lead an activity
⭐ Volunteers to coordinate or assist
Even one hour helps.
⭐ Organisations to deliver an experience
As long as it returns value to the school.
Partnerships must continue to be mutually beneficial.
The organiser gains visibility and potential customers;
the PTA gains surplus and increased engagement;
families gain a great experience.
A Clear Message
The wreath making event worked because everyone gained something meaningful:
✔ The organiser showcased their service
✔ Attendees enjoyed a premium activity
✔ The PTA raised funds
✔ New volunteers emerged
✔ Parents felt part of a community
And most importantly:
🎯 The school benefited from the outcome—not just the event itself.
We already use this collaborative model successfully in our biggest annual fundraiser — the Boldmere Fireworks Event. While the PTA organises the community side of the evening, the main fireworks display is professionally contracted in, ensuring safety, quality and a brilliant experience for families. This partnership approach has become one of the reasons the event raises so much for the school each year, and it shows exactly how working with external organisations can benefit everyone involved.